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Source: corresponsalesclave.org

In the middle of a political crisis, health programs tend to be interrupted and programming is disrupted. The ongoing crisis in Nicaragua, which is taking more than a year now, is showing its impact on care and treatment for people with HIV.

By Lídice López Tocón

Ritonavir, abacavir and the combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine (Truvada®) were reported as out of supply in health establishments in Nicaragua by activists of that country. “We have not had these medicines in Nicaragua for two months now. […] Unfortunately, they are not covered by the Global Fund but by the government, so people in Nicaragua do not dare to speak up–you know, because of the political context–,” said Arely Cano, president of ICW, in an interview with Key Correspondents.

These prescriptions dated May 25 were not filled.

This was initially reported on Facebook, and people around Nicaragua commented this would be affecting people getting antiretroviral treatment in Manolo Morales National Hospital, Antonio Lenin Fonseca Hospital (both in Managua), German-Nicaraguan Hospital in Masaya and other health centers that provide care for people with HIV.

The activist also noted that shortage reports may be known by the Country Coordinating Mechanism and other multisector bodies where organizations implementing the project funded by the Global Fund participate.

The government, represented by a member of CONISIDA, announced this morning on a free-to-air channel that there is no such shortage, and stated that “this good government has never run out of medicine, which is distributed across the entire country,” said Cano with great indignation. Key Correspondents sent a note to Dr. Enrique Beteta, Vice Minister of Health, but we still have no answer.

Apparently, these medicines were not purchased on time, which means they might be available in the following months. Meanwhile, users will have to spend a few more weeks without their medicines. Regarding this situation, Arely Cano stated that “[…] they are changing the treatment without conducting resistance or genotype tests; they are asking people to take those medicines without knowing their possible secondary effects.”

Evidence is clear: dozens of people have not received their medicines over the last few months, and many other people have had their treatments changed.

This is happening in a politically troubled Nicaragua, yet the country must act with diligence to ensure access to treatment and health for people with HIV. Also, it must guarantee freedom of speech of activists and people with HIV who work for the right to health.

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